Ultimate Blueberry Spinach Salad with Tangy Dijon Dressing: Quick, Healthy & Delicious
This vibrant and effortlessly quick Blueberry Spinach Salad is a true masterpiece of flavors and textures. It combines the delicate freshness of baby spinach with the juicy sweetness of blueberries, the satisfying crunch of walnuts, and the bold, tangy notes of blue cheese. What truly elevates this simple salad is its easy homemade Dijon mustard dressing, which perfectly complements every ingredient. Best of all, this delightful creation comes together in just 10 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight or a refreshing lunch.
Salads are incredibly versatile, and I honestly never tire of them. They can be transformed into a robust main course by adding a protein, much like this chicken peach quinoa salad, or they can serve as a light, refreshing side dish to enhance any dinner. Their inherent freshness and vibrant appeal are always a welcome addition to the table, especially when topped with a carefully crafted homemade dressing or vinaigrette that ties all the flavors together.
This particular blueberry spinach salad is not only incredibly easy to assemble but also bursting with deliciousness. It starts with a generous bed of tender baby spinach, generously adorned with plump, fresh blueberries. A zesty Dijon mustard dressing is then drizzled over, harmonizing beautifully with the subtle bite of sweet red onion, the earthy texture of raw walnuts, and the distinctive piquant flavor of crumbled blue cheese. Each forkful offers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, tangy, and crunchy elements.
We absolutely adore serving this salad as a vibrant side dish alongside various main courses. It pairs exceptionally well with lean proteins like this flaky air fryer salmon or these savory spicy jalapeño turkey burgers. Its light and refreshing profile acts as a perfect counterpoint to richer dishes, ensuring a balanced and satisfying meal every time.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Easy Spinach Blueberry Salad
- Effortlessly Quick: This entire salad comes together in a mere 10 minutes. For even greater time-saving, the homemade dressing can be prepared in advance, making it perfect for last-minute meals or meal prep.
- Incredibly Versatile: While it shines as a refreshing side dish, you can easily transform this salad into a hearty and satisfying lunch or dinner by simply adding your favorite protein source.
- Highly Customizable: As long as you have the star ingredient – fresh blueberries – you can easily adapt this recipe. Feel free to make substitutions based on what you have on hand or to cater to your personal preferences. We’ve included plenty of delicious suggestions below to inspire your culinary creativity!
- Nutrient-Packed Goodness: Loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats from spinach, blueberries, and walnuts, this salad is as good for you as it is delicious.
A Deep Dive into the Essential Ingredients
Understanding each component is key to appreciating the harmony of flavors in this salad. Below is a detailed overview of the ingredients used to create this fantastic recipe. For the precise list of ingredients and their exact quantities, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located at the very end of this post.
- Blueberries: For the ultimate experience in this salad, fresh blueberries are absolutely essential. Their firm texture and burst of natural sweetness are unmatched. I strongly advise against thawing frozen berries for this specific recipe, as their texture tends to become mushy and watery, which isn’t ideal for a crisp salad. However, if you’re looking for an alternative with a different profile, dried blueberries offer a delightful tart flavor and a chewy texture that can be a pleasant surprise. Fresh blueberries are also packed with antioxidants, making this salad a nutritional powerhouse.
- Spinach: The foundation of this refreshing salad is undoubtedly its green leafy base. Baby spinach is my top recommendation here due to its tender leaves and slightly sweeter, milder flavor compared to mature spinach. Its delicate texture holds up well with the dressing without becoming overly tough. Spinach is also a fantastic source of iron, Vitamin K, and other essential nutrients, contributing significantly to the salad’s health benefits.
- Red Onion: The distinctive “punch” of flavor that thinly sliced or diced red onion brings to a salad is something I truly cherish. Its crisp texture and sweet-yet-sharp taste cut through the richness of other ingredients. For this recipe, I prefer dicing, but you can also opt for elegant thin rings or delicate half-moons. For an even milder and tangier twist, consider using quick-pickled red onion – it adds a beautiful pink hue and a wonderfully balanced acidity.
- Walnuts: Raw walnuts are the secret to adding an incredible textural contrast and a dose of healthy fats to this salad. Their earthy, slightly bitter notes pair wonderfully with the sweet blueberries and tangy blue cheese. I typically use walnut halves and gently break them into smaller pieces for a more even distribution. Alternatively, you can purchase pre-chopped or walnut pieces directly. While I favor raw for their unadulterated flavor, toasted walnuts (which enhances their nuttiness) or even candied walnuts (like those used in this roasted beet and carrot salad) would also make fantastic additions, adding an extra layer of flavor complexity. Walnuts are known for their omega-3 fatty acids, making them great for brain health.
- Blue Cheese: Crumbled blue cheese is a game-changer for this salad, truly elevating its flavor profile to a sophisticated level. Its distinctive sharp, salty, and pungent notes create an exciting contrast with the sweet blueberries and mild spinach. I often buy a block of my favorite blue cheese and crumble it myself for maximum freshness and control over the size of the crumbles. However, pre-crumbled blue cheese is a convenient option if you’re short on time. If blue cheese isn’t to your liking, tangy feta or creamy goat cheese would be excellent, albeit milder, substitutes.
For the Zesty Dijon Dressing:
- Lemon Juice: Every good salad dressing requires a crucial acidic component to brighten the flavors. While vinegar is a common choice, for this specific Dijon dressing, freshly squeezed lemon juice is my preference. Its bright, citrusy notes add a refreshing tang. For the best possible flavor and to avoid unnecessary additives, I highly recommend using fresh lemons over bottled lemon juice.
- Oil: The base of any vinaigrette. My go-to is always extra virgin olive oil, prized for its robust flavor and healthy monounsaturated fats. However, if you prefer a milder taste or have other oils on hand, regular olive oil, canola oil, or avocado oil will also work beautifully to create a smooth, emulsified dressing.
- Dijon Mustard: The sharp, distinct flavor of Dijon mustard is the undisputed star of this dressing and absolutely vital for its unique taste. This is not the place for substitutions; whole grain Dijon, honey Dijon, or classic yellow mustard will significantly alter the intended flavor profile. Beyond its incredible taste, Dijon mustard also plays a crucial role as an emulsifier, helping to bind the oil and acidic ingredients together into a smooth, creamy dressing.
- Honey: To perfectly balance the tangy sharpness of the Dijon mustard and lemon juice, a touch of liquid honey is added. It provides a subtle sweetness that rounds out the dressing’s flavors and also aids in the emulsification process, helping to thicken it slightly. If you prefer, agave syrup can be used as a vegan alternative.
- Garlic Powder, Salt, and Pepper: These basic seasonings are added in small amounts to enhance the overall depth of flavor in the dressing. Feel free to adjust the quantities to your personal taste preferences, ensuring the dressing is perfectly seasoned for you.
How to Prepare Your Perfect Spinach Salad with Blueberries
Crafting this salad is incredibly simple, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor payoff. Follow these steps for a delightful meal:
- Assemble the Base: Begin by adding your fresh baby spinach to a large mixing bowl. Ensure the bowl is spacious enough to allow for easy tossing. Then, generously top the spinach with the crumbled blue cheese, evenly diced red onion, crunchy walnuts, and plump, fresh blueberries. Arrange them artfully for a beautiful presentation before tossing.
- Dress or Serve Alongside: Once your dressing is prepared (instructions below!), decide how you’d like to serve it. You can pour as much dressing as desired directly over the salad ingredients and gently toss to combine, ensuring every leaf and berry is lightly coated. Be mindful not to over-dress, as a little goes a long way. You may find you have some dressing leftover, which can be stored for later. Alternatively, for those who prefer to control their dressing amount or for better storage, serve the salad undressed with the Dijon dressing on the side.
- Serve Immediately: For the freshest taste and best texture, especially with the delicate spinach, serve the salad immediately after dressing it. The crispness of the ingredients is at its peak.
Crafting the Perfect Easy Dijon Dressing
The homemade Dijon dressing is the heart of this salad, bringing all the flavors together with its tangy, sweet, and savory notes. Here’s how to make it:
- Whisk Method: In a small bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Dijon mustard, liquid honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Vigorously whisk the mixture until it is thoroughly combined, thickens slightly, and beautifully emulsifies. Emulsification means the oil and other liquid ingredients have fully blended into a smooth, creamy, and uniform consistency, without any separation. If you notice the oil separating, simply continue whisking for another minute or two until it comes together.
- Shake Method (for convenience): For an even easier approach, simply add all the dressing ingredients into a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid. Secure the lid firmly and shake vigorously for about 30-60 seconds, or until the mixture is completely combined and emulsified. This method is great for quick prep and easy storage!
Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want a little more salt, a dash more honey for sweetness, or a touch more lemon for extra tang. The beauty of homemade dressing is that you can customize it to your exact preferences.
Expert Storage Tips for Optimal Freshness
Proper storage is key to enjoying your salad and dressing for longer, especially if you’re meal prepping. Here are some essential tips:
- General Storage: Any leftover salad components (undressed) or salad dressing should always be covered tightly and stored promptly in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
- Dressed Salad: If the salad has already been dressed, it’s best to consume it within a day. The delicate spinach leaves will begin to wilt and lose their crisp texture fairly quickly once coated in dressing, especially due to the acidity.
- Meal Prep Strategy: If you anticipate having leftovers, or if you’re preparing this salad for a potluck or gathering where it won’t be eaten all at once, always serve the dressing on the side. This allows you to store the salad components and the dressing separately, preserving the salad’s crispness.
- Undressed Salad Shelf Life: Leftover undressed salad, with its components stored separately, will typically last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The exact duration can depend on the initial freshness of your spinach and blueberries, so always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming.
- Dressing Shelf Life: The homemade Dijon dressing is quite robust! When stored in a covered dish or a sealed jar in the refrigerator, it will remain fresh and delicious for an impressive 5-7 days. This makes it perfect for preparing a batch at the beginning of the week for quick salad assembly throughout. Remember to give it a good shake or whisk before each use, as some separation may occur.
- Preventing Wilted Greens: To keep your spinach as crisp as possible, make sure it’s thoroughly dry before adding other ingredients. Excess moisture can accelerate wilting. Store any leftover undressed spinach in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb moisture.
Recipe Substitutions and Creative Additions
This blueberry spinach salad is wonderfully adaptable! Don’t be afraid to get creative and customize it to your taste or what you have available. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Leafy Green Alternatives: Instead of baby spinach, you can easily swap in other tender leafy greens. Consider peppery arugula for a bolder flavor, massaged kale for a heartier texture, or a delicate spring mix for a varied assortment of greens. Each option will subtly change the overall profile of the salad.
- Fresh Herbs: Elevate the freshness factor by incorporating some chopped fresh herbs. Mint adds a cooling sensation, while basil offers a sweet, aromatic touch that pairs beautifully with blueberries.
- Nutty Swaps: If walnuts aren’t your favorite or you’re looking for variety, raw pecans or sliced almonds make excellent substitutes. They offer similar healthy fats and a satisfying crunch, with slightly different flavor nuances.
- Crunch Without Nuts: For a nut-free option or just a different kind of crunch, try adding crispy air fryer chickpeas for a protein boost, or savory homemade croutons for a classic salad topping.
- Cheese Variations: If blue cheese isn’t quite to your palate, or you want a milder flavor, crumbled feta cheese offers a salty, tangy kick, while soft goat cheese provides a creamy texture and a subtle earthiness.
- Additional Fresh Veggies: Boost the nutritional content and visual appeal with more fresh vegetables. Halved cherry tomatoes add bursts of juiciness and color, chopped cucumber brings a refreshing crispness, and sliced avocado offers creamy richness and healthy fats.
- Onion Alternatives: For a milder onion flavor, replace the red onion with finely chopped shallots. They offer a delicate, sweet onion note without the intense pungency.
- Alternative Dressings: While the Dijon dressing is fantastic, you might want to experiment! This salad also shines with a light balsamic vinaigrette or, for a sweeter fruit-forward option, try this delightful raspberry poppy seed dressing.
- Add Protein for a Complete Meal: To transform this side salad into a wholesome main course, consider adding:
- Grilled or baked chicken breast (sliced or shredded)
- Flaked cooked salmon or other fish
- Hard-boiled or poached eggs
- Grilled shrimp or scallops
- Crumbled or baked tofu/tempeh for a plant-based option
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About This Blueberry Spinach Salad
Absolutely! This salad is a fantastic choice for meal preparation and is perfect for bringing to a potluck or any social gathering. You can prep all the individual ingredients for this salad 1-2 days in advance. Simply wash and dry your spinach, dice your onion, crumble your cheese, chop your walnuts, and wash your blueberries, then store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The homemade Dijon dressing can also be made ahead of time and will last for 5-7 days when stored in a sealed jar in the fridge. The key is to wait and assemble and dress the salad just before serving. If the salad is dressed too far in advance, the delicate spinach leaves will wilt, and the salad will lose its crisp texture, becoming less appealing.
This refreshing blueberry spinach salad is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide variety of proteins and main courses. As a side dish, it complements grilled meats and fish perfectly. Consider serving it alongside savory air fryer turkey burgers, crispy air fryer pork schnitzel, or flaky air fryer tilapia. If you’re looking to enjoy the salad as a light yet satisfying main meal, simply top it with your favorite protein. I highly recommend adding perfectly seared air fryer scallops or juicy crispy air fryer chicken patties. For vegetarian options, this salad is a wonderful accompaniment to flavorful lemon garlic pasta or hearty air fryer spaghetti squash, creating a balanced and delicious vegetarian feast.
Yes, absolutely! This salad is packed with nutritious ingredients. Spinach is a powerhouse of vitamins (K, A, C, folate) and minerals, while blueberries are renowned for their high antioxidant content. Walnuts provide healthy omega-3 fatty acids and beneficial fats. The homemade Dijon dressing, made with olive oil and fresh lemon juice, avoids the excessive sugars and unhealthy fats often found in store-bought dressings. Overall, it’s a wonderfully wholesome and health-conscious meal choice.
While frozen blueberries are convenient, I generally do not recommend them for this specific salad. When thawed, frozen blueberries tend to become soft, mushy, and release a lot of water, which can make your salad watery and less appealing in terms of texture. Fresh blueberries offer the best firm texture and vibrant burst of flavor for a crisp salad. If you only have frozen, you could try incorporating them still frozen and serving immediately, or reserving them for a different recipe like a smoothie or baked good where their texture change is less impactful.
There are a few tricks to keeping your spinach perfectly crisp. First, ensure your spinach is thoroughly washed and completely dry before adding it to the bowl. Excess moisture is the enemy of crisp greens! A salad spinner is excellent for this. Second, as mentioned in the storage tips, always add the dressing right before serving. The acidity and oil in the dressing will start to break down the spinach leaves, causing them to wilt quickly. If you’re making the salad ahead, keep the spinach and other components separate from the dressing until the last minute.
More Delicious Blueberry Recipes to Explore
- Healthy Blueberry Crisp (without Oats)
- Blueberry Cake with Lemon and Ricotta
- Blueberry Skillet Cookie
Other Refreshing Salad Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Summer Peach Salad with Blueberries
- Strawberry Kale Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
- Stone Fruit Salad with Mint Honey Vinaigrette
- Greek Orzo Pasta Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
If you give this wonderful Blueberry Spinach Salad a try, I’d absolutely love to hear your thoughts and feedback in the comments section below! Your culinary adventures inspire me.
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Follow Crumb Top Baking on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook for more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration!
Print Recipe
Blueberry Spinach Salad with Dijon Dressing
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
No reviews
Author: Leanne
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Salad
Method: Chop & Toss
Cuisine: American, Canadian
Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This quick and easy Blueberry Spinach Salad is packed with tender baby spinach, sweet blueberries, crunchy walnuts, and savory blue cheese, all perfectly complemented by a simple, zesty homemade Dijon mustard dressing.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 6–8 cups baby spinach, thoroughly washed and dried
- 3/4 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup raw walnut pieces, roughly chopped for texture
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese, or your preferred cheese substitute
- 1/3 cup diced red onion, finely chopped for a balanced flavor
For the Zesty Dijon Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, high quality for best flavor
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, for brightness
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, essential for flavor and emulsification
- 2 tablespoons liquid honey, or agave syrup for a vegan option
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, add the washed and dried baby spinach. Evenly scatter the fresh blueberries, chopped walnuts, crumbled blue cheese, and finely diced red onion over the spinach.
- Make the Dijon Dressing: For the dressing, combine all the dressing ingredients (olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper) in a small bowl. Whisk vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture thickens and emulsifies into a smooth, creamy dressing. Alternatively, for a quick method, add all dressing ingredients to a mason jar, secure the lid, and shake well until fully combined and emulsified.
- Dress and Serve: Pour as much dressing as desired over the prepared salad. Gently toss all ingredients together to ensure an even coating. Serve the salad immediately to enjoy its freshest and crispest texture. If you anticipate leftovers, it’s best to serve the dressing on the side and let each person dress their own portion to preserve the salad’s quality.
Notes
- Any leftover salad (undressed) or salad dressing should be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- If the salad has been dressed, it should ideally be consumed within one day, as the spinach leaves will begin to wilt and lose their crispness.
- For optimal storage and to prevent wilting, it is highly recommended to serve the dressing on the side if you think you will have leftover salad. This allows you to store the components separately.
- Leftover undressed salad components, stored properly, will last for 3-4 days in the fridge. The exact duration can depend on the initial freshness of your greens and berries.
- The homemade Dijon salad dressing, when stored in a covered container or jar in the refrigerator, will keep well for 5-7 days. Remember to give it a good shake or whisk before each use.
- For a comprehensive list of suggested recipe substitutions and creative additions to customize your salad, please refer to the detailed section in the post above.